Detroit police step up patrols after 11 fires were set in 90 minutes this weekend

Police are stepping up patrols in an east side Detroit neighborhood after 11 fires were set within 90 minutes over the weekend.

The
fires are believed to be connected and come three weeks before the
annual citywide Angel's Night observance when police and volunteers are
extra vigilant against arsons.

The 11 fires happened on six
adjacent streets between 5:30-7 a.m. Sunday. Seven of the houses were
vacant. People lived in the other four homes. No injuries were reported.

Police spokesman John Roach says the fires are under investigation.

Detroit
officials are preparing for Angel's Night patrols over several days
around Halloween. Once known as Devil's Night, the period saw hundreds
of fires set each year to abandoned houses and buildings in Detroit.